Top 10 Highest Transfer Fees

The past few years have seen a huge increase in the fees spent on players across the world of football. A few years ago, £30million would get you a top-class striker who would guarantee goals. Nowadays, £30million doesn’t get you much. This summer saw the world record transfer fee smashed, which had a huge effect on the market. This top ten takes inflation into account. Read on for a look at the top 10 highest transfer fees in football history!

10. Zinedine Zidane – Juventus to Real Madrid (46m)

Way back in 2001, Zinedine Zidane completed this move to shock the world of football. Adjusted for inflation, this transfer makes the top ten – and was a sneak peek into how the football world would evolve in the following years.

9. James Rodriguez – AS Monaco to Real Madrid (63m)

Following a starring performance at the 2014 World Cup, James Rodriguez earned a move to Real Madrid from Monaco. He has since moved on loan to Bayern Munich after struggling for form.

8. Luis Suarez – Liverpool to Barcelona (75m)

The ever-controversial Uruguayan starred for Liverpool in their impressive 2013-14 campaign, but eventually got his wish to move to Barcelona in 2014. He would go on to form a fearsome front three, and has continued his impressive scoring form since.

7. Romelu Lukaku – Everton to Manchester United (75m)

In 2017 Romelu Lukaku joined Manchester United for £75m. Having impressed at both West Bromwich Albion and Everton, he was snapped up by Jose Mourinho. He has hit the ground running, fitting seamlessly with Mourinho’s squad.

6. Gonzalo Higuain – Napoli to Juventus (75.3m)

The powerhouse forward joined Juventus from fellow Serie A side Napoli. Having once played for Real Madrid, the Argentine discovered a new lease of life after his Juventus move. He has helped them claim multiple league titles since his move.

5. Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United to Real Madrid (80m)

Back in 2009, after six glorious campaigns with Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo left them to join Real Madrid. The Portuguese players has since won multiple Ballon D’or’s, Champions League titles and a host of personal accolades. He is still widely regarded as the best player in the world.

4. Gareth Bale – Tottenham to Real Madrid (86m)

Another player to have left the Premier League for Real Madrid is Gareth Bale. The Welsh winger was instrumental for Tottenham, before earning his move to Spain. He scored the winning goal in the Champions League Final in 2014. He has at times struggled for form.

3. Paul Pogba – Juventus to Manchester United (89m)

Paul Pogba left Manchester United for Juventus in 2012 for a minimal fee. Afterwards he improved enormously, earning himself the reputation of one of the finest players in the world. He returned to United after a club-record £89m move. He has since helped United win multiple trophies.

2. Ousmane Dembele – Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona (97m)

Following the departure of Neymar (see below), Barcelona scrambled to find a replacement. They eventually decided to sign Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund. The German side paid £14m for him just last summer, earning a stunning profit.

1. Neymar – Barcelona to Paris Saint Germain (198m)

A remarkable £198m was spent on Neymar by Paris Saint Germain. The French club shocked the world with his transfer – agreeing to pay his buyout clause. He has since starred for the French club. He is certainly among the very best players in the world!

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